This week makes a whole year passing since I changed my life for ever. A whole 365 (and a quarter for you buffs out there) days since I walked away from a horrible situation, made myself more or less homeless and locked myself away. Locked away wasnt something I did lightly but when I came back into the world, I came charging and fighting like a rhino.
In the short time that has passed by I have finally gained my BA (Hons) in Photography, moved into a pretty house, and found my feet again (and not just because of the weight loss). I have learnt what I dont want in life and what it means to be at rock bottom with no view of the top. I have however been climbing the proverbial mountain every day to reach the summit and have obtained contentment in never reaching the top. If I reach the pinnacle of the mountain, I may stop trying to do better. I like that I face daily challenges, some small and some huge but not one will break me now.
I can now sit back and realise for the moments that I hurt, the days I cried and pain I felt, not for one second would I swap my new life for the old one. My burlesque career has rocketed off with a residency with a private company, a 5 yr long booking with a certain celeb to perform at his Ibiza parties, classes with fabulous students and so much more.
This past year my free classes for women who have suffered from breast cancer and domestic violence have made my heart break and sing in equal measures. My seminars with the WI, local radio and businesses have seen me learn more about the world I have created for myself and I know this is JUST the beginning. When you stand in front of women who cant bear to look at their bodies because of cancer and abuse, you know your own problems are nothing in comparison. The moment my student told me she showed her husband her body for the first time in 3 yrs following cancer, I KNEW I had found my place in the world.
Burlesque, in all honesty is a mere drop in the ocean but boy oh boy has it enriched my world. I hope in my small way I am doing the same. Even if it is only a teeny tiny bit for a blink of an eye.
Remember (here comes the soppy bit) you are beautiful no matter what the packaging, no one has the right to make you hate who you are and stand tall, you make the best you there is.
For those artistes and burlesque community members who have changed burlesque for you, vote for them for the 2013 stars of Burlesque here: http://21stcenturyburlesque.com/the-burlesque-top-50-2013/ You can make them feel a teeny bit of how awesome you feel xxx
You are truely a beautiful person, thank you for helping me believe there is still hope xx
I had the great pleasure of attending one of your classes in Hull recently, although I am a long way from baring all I can now stand to look at myself and my scarred fun bags in the mirror. Good news travels fast and you lady are a legend!
Thanks Muchly!!
The pleasure was all mine. I adore teaching. I adore it. I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this with me xxxx
That you adore it completely shows! You are a great teacher and you put me at ease! No small task after the crap I’ve had this year. I honestly wish you were nearer either that or I was loaded!
I hope the next 12 months continue in an upwards direction for you!
X
It is people like you who make my world awesome. I cant thank you enough for making me love my world a little more and letting me into yours. xxx Keep kicking cancer, loving your warrior woman body and proudly showing that scars are symbols of battles won. xx